The 2012 recipients are ...

Saser Kangri II (7,518m), IndiaAmericans Mark Richey, Steve Swenson and Freddie Wilkinson’s expedition to the Indian Karakoram is another example from 2011 of exploration and committed alpine style at high altitude. During a two month expedition, the three alpinists summited the second highest, previously unclimbed mountain in the world, Saser Kangri II. The team reached the summit on 24th August via the steep 1,700 metre south-west face, after four days ofascent and three bivouacs. The route’s technical difficulties are concentrated in the higher part of the climb.First ascent: Saser Kangri II via the south-west face - The Old Breed.Alpinists: Mark Richey, Steve Swenson and Freddie Wilkinson (USA)Vertical Interval: 1,700mDifficulty: W14, M3Date: 21st – 24th August 2011 (base camp to summit).

VIDEO

JavaScript is disabled!To display this content, you need a JavaScript capable browser.

Adobe Flash Player not installed or older than 9.0.115!

K7 West (6,615m), PakistanYoung Slovenians Nejc Marcic and Luka Strazar, 26 and 23 years old respectively, reached the west summit of K7 in a three-day alpine style ascent of the previously unclimbed north-west face via a 1,600m sustained mixed route, completing the third ascent of this famous summit in the Charakusa valley. Exploration, technical difficulty, minimalist style and commitment are the characteristics of their ascent. It was their first Himalayan expedition.New route: Dreamers of the Golden Caves on north-west face of K7 WestAlpinists: Nejc Marcic and Luka Strazar (Slovenia)Vertical Interval: 1,600mDifficulty: A15, M5, A2Date: 6th-9th September 2011 (round trip from base camp)

VIDEO

JavaScript is disabled!To display this content, you need a JavaScript capable browser.